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Question for you plant experts

dunlax072 Nov 01, 2003 09:53 PM

I've got this white stuff on growing on some of my hibiscus plant, it has been outside for the past few weeks, but this has only been on it recently, like 3 or 4 days. I've cut off all the parts with white stuff on it, but I'm wondering what it is, how i can get rid of it, and how i can prevent it. It looks to be like mold or something, i have no idea. Thanks

-Scott

Replies (3)

jrbl Nov 01, 2003 10:47 PM

It is most likely mildew. If it comes back you should spray it with a fungicide that contains bupirimate and triforine. You can find this pretty much anywhere. I aam unsure on what effect this might have on your chameleon, so I would reccomend removing the plant when you treat it with the fungicide and rinse it afterward. Hope this help, jrbl

taralynn_hughes Nov 02, 2003 08:58 AM

It kinda looks like mealybugs. I am currently fighting a case of it in my pothos. I was checking it over because it was finally ready to go in Jades cage. On the under side of leaves and down by the base of the leaf are little bugs and little white clumps of stuff. (very technical eh!) Not that hard to treat
link

lele Nov 02, 2003 11:55 AM

hi Scott,

the photo is a bit blurry but I would say mealy bugs. If the plant is inexpensive and replaceable then toss the whole thing (not near any other plants - these critters spread rapidly). if it is one you want to treat try this:

They are killed instantly with alcohol (rubbing, not vodka )

You have a few choices:

Take the plant out and clean cage thoroughly - you don't want a stray insect that fell off on its way out to re-infest a new plant! Quarantine the plant from all your other house plants. I always find a bathroom/tub to be a good place. Mix one cup rubbing alcohol and one quart water. Spray plant thoroughly - both sides of leaves as well as stem crotches. DON'T DO THIS IN THE SUN you'll fry your plant.

Then take a q-tip, dip in alcohol and touch to all the insects you see. They can be very small so look carefully. Actually, you can do these steps in either order. It wouldn't hurt to repot it with fresh sterile soil

In the meantime put in a clean temporary plant for you cham. Using a fake one for the time being might be a good idea b/c if there are any mealies left they will die with no food - or they'll wander onto another plant!

I would keep the mealie plant out for a full week. Treat daily using both steps. It may seem like a lot but your other option is tossing the plant and buying a new one. If it is a serious infestation that is what I would suggest doing but if you caught it early you should be able to get rid of them.

After doing this keep a close eye, especially in the stem crotches, for any returns. Touch with alcohol to kill.

Hope this is helpful!

lele

>>I've got this white stuff on growing on some of my hibiscus plant, it has been outside for the past few weeks, but this has only been on it recently, like 3 or 4 days. I've cut off all the parts with white stuff on it, but I'm wondering what it is, how i can get rid of it, and how i can prevent it. It looks to be like mold or something, i have no idea. Thanks
>>
>>-Scott
>>
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0.1 veiled - Luna
0.2 green anoles (Jaida, no name)
0.1 brown anole - Jamaica
0.2 house geckos - (still no names)

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